Despite Loss, SP-F Wrestlers Put Up Strong Fight Against Madison

Despite their best efforts, the young wrestling team from Scotch Plains-Fanwood fell to Madison 52-22 on Tuesday night.

"I thought we were in it for a while," said SP-F Head Coach John Scholz after the match. "I have a young lineup this year and I know Madison is always tough, but I'm impressed with my guys in a couple of areas."

The Raiders fell behind early and were forced to play catch up after 189-pounder Brian Lasty was pinned in second period of the nights first match.

Up next, Neville Hall (215) battled to a 6-4 win over Madison 215-pounder, Thomas Tracy and the Raiders closed to within three points.

After losing a 17-5 major decision at 285 pounds, Scotch Plains-Fanwood had to forfeit at 103 pounds making the score 16-3. A Madison pin by Patsy Davis (112) gave Madison a 22-3 lead over the Raiders.

Then things got interesting.

Back to back first period Raider pins by Steve Carrion (119) and Tristrian Bundy (125) closed the gap to 22-15.

Jawan Gaines (135) won a 13-0 major decision and at 140 pounds, the Raiders' Mike Steinfeld hung onto a 6-0 second period lead and escaped with an 8-4 victory, making the score 28-22.

But Madison was just too strong and recorded four straight pins to seal a 52-22 victory over the Raiders.

"We stayed strong and we fought off our backs. We had guys who were in the matches, they could have gone either way a couple of times," said Scholz. "We still have a couple of things to work on because we're young. But all in all, i'm proud of the performance the kids give day in and day out."